NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
December 12, 2014 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
WALNUT, CA—The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees recognized star students and community partners during the December 10 meeting.
Castle Rock Elementary second grade student Wesley Li was honored as a Super Star Student.
“One of the things that we instill at Castle Rock is the characteristic of perseverance. Even though this generation of students has the world at their fingertips, we really strive is to make sure our kids work hard and do not give up. Wesley demonstrates that quality - he perseveres every single day,” said Principal Dr. Resma Byrne.
“Wesley’s attitude toward his education is an example to others. When faced with a hurdle, his immediate response is ‘I can do it.’ And we’re recognizing him today for that ‘I can do it’ attitude,” Dr. Byrne added.
Parent volunteers Sam and Nancy Castorena received the Partners in Education Award for Castle Rock.
“They are a very active part of our community and one of the things that they bring is their networking ability. They know everybody!” Dr. Byrne said. The extraordinary couple attends every single event to happily help the school succeed. They are excited about education and to be a part of Walnut Valley.
“They are driver’s of change!” Dr. Byrne added.
Collegewood Elementary fifth grader Natalie Basurto received the Super Star Student Award.
“Natalie is one of those kids that each and every day walks through the gate with a huge smile on her face,” explained Principal Joan Perez.
Her teacher Laura O’Donnell shared that Natalie is very friendly and gets along with everyone. If someone needs help, she is the first person to stand right by their side. If someone is upset – Natalie is your girl!
Natalie is an enthusiastic learner, she is very caring of others, and always wears a smile. And it is contagious!
“We are very proud of this little girl and all that she brings to Collegewood,” Perez said.
Collegewood Elementary parents Lily Eibert and Christina Kondo received the Partner in Education Award.
“They are our dynamic duo! These two ladies are truly outstanding individuals and together have donated over 14 years to the school,” Perez stated. They are currently Community Club Co-Presidents.
“Christina knows how to do so many things so well. You can always count on her for support. She is a cheerleader for our school!” reported first grade teacher Betsy Hale.
“Lily has been a magnificent liaison in our school community and she offers help with new families are getting acclimated to Collegewood’s culture,” shared second grade teacher Diane Zell. “They are both giving and kind,” added teacher Sherry Truong.
“We are so very grateful for your support,” Perez said.
Chaparral Middle School eighth grader Danny Mansour was honored with the Super Star Student Award.
The standout student is a peer tutor, member of the coding club, robotics club, student technology aide, leadership, and pre-engineering group that built bridges out of toothpicks. This week, he led a team of student coders during the Hour of Code event.
“Beyond all that, Danny is a person of great character and everyone he comes in contact with feels better at the end of the conversation. He is Mr. Positive,” said Principal Ron Thibodeaux.
Chaparral Middle School parent Anne Elefante was lauded with the Partner in Education Award.
“Anne is one of the great parents that helps us out in so many ways,” Thibodeaux stated.
She is the Community Club Treasurer, a community liaison, and she is an incredibly intelligent woman that keeps immaculate books. Ann is also a fantastic artist who logged in about 20,000 hours making hundreds of ribbon leis for a school fundraiser.
“Thank you for everything that you do for our school,” Thibodeaux added.
Shown:
Castle Rock Elementary second grade student Wesley Li was honored as a Super Star Student on December 10. Shown with Principal Dr. Resma Byrne.
Castle Rock Elementary parents Sam and Nancy Castorena received the Partners in Education Award during the December 10 Board Meeting. Shown with Principal Dr. Resma Byrne and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
Collegewood Elementary fifth grader Natalie Basurto received the Super Star Student Award. Shown with family members, Principal Joan Perez, Teacher Laura O’Donnell, and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
Collegewood Elementary parents Lily Eibert and Christina Kondo received the Partner in Education Award. Shown with their children, Principal Joan Perez and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
Chaparral Middle School eighth grader Danny Mansour was honored with the Super Star Student Award. Shown with family members, Principal Ron Thibodeaux and Board President Cindy Ruiz.
Chaparral Middle School parent volunteer Anne Elefante was lauded with the Partner in Education Award. Shown with family members, Principal Ron Thibodeaux and Board President Cindy Ruiz.